Limited Movie Runs

Updated 10:00 pm, Thursday, December 18, 2008

SAVE ME

After a drug overdose, Mark (Chad Allen) is given the choice between a charity ward in the general hospital and a comfortable stay at Genesis, a Christian retreat for the sexual reformation of gays. Opting for the latter, he becomes a pet project for Gayle (Judith Light), who started Genesis out of guilt over the suicide of her gay son. Mark's intention to repress his sexuality and become a good Christian is compromised by growing feelings for fellow reformee Scott (Robert Gant). Gayle tries to abort the nascent love affair, which leads to conflict with her husband Ted (Stephen Lang), who condones it. For its intention to promulgate the compatibility of Christianity with homosexuality, "Save Me" deserves a footnote in the political battle between these traditionally adversarial groups. As a movie, it doesn't amount to much more than an after school-special with sex and profanity. It is a disappointment from director Robert Cary, whose "Ira and Abby" was one of the best romantic comedies of 2006. He was apparently brought into the film at the last minute by Allen, Light and Gant, who produced the film as a labor of love. (Bill White)